Workers' Compensation Insurance | biBerk, a Berkshire Hathaway Company

Small Business Insurance Experts

biBerk has over 500,000 satisfied customers and focuses exclusively on small businesses. Why is biBerk the business insurance company so many organizations rely on? There are many reasons.

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Save time.

Get a quote entirely online or speak with one of our insurance experts right away for help getting a quote, buying a policy, or answering any questions you may have.

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Save money.

We insure your small business directly, without a middleman or insurance broker, so we pass that savings on to you—up to 20% less than policies with other insurance companies.

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Experienced.

We're part of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group with millions of satisfied customers, more than 75 years of insurance experience, and $62 billion in paid claims in 2025.

Do I Need Workers’ Comp if I’m Self -Employed?

States typically don’t require people who work independently to have workers’ compensation insurance (check with your state’s workers’ comp authority for details). However, there are other reasons you might need this coverage. For example, a company you complete a project for may require you to have a workers’ comp policy and ask to see your Certificate of Insurance (COI). Workers’ comp can also help protect you as a self-employed individual or independent contractor from medical expenses related to on-the-job injuries or illnesses. Plus, a self-employed workers’ comp policy can help replace lost wages while you’re recovering. Learn more about workers’ comp benefits below.

What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance for the Self Employed?

Workers’ compensation insurance—commonly called “workers’ comp” or “workman’s comp”—is an often-mandatory type of insurance that protects workers if they experience an injury or disease on the job, including sprains and strains, trip-and-fall incidents, or accidental death

Fewer High Out-of-Pocket Business Expenses

With workers’ comp insurance from biBerk, you’re shielded from the high costs of workplace injuries.

Protection From Lawsuits

Workers’ compensation insurance includes employer liability, which protects your business if an employee should sue.

Compliance With State Laws

Workers’ comp insurance helps companies avoid fines and penalties charged by the state for not having proper insurance. For example, in California your fine can be up to $100,000.

Policy Cost
Independent Contractors

Determining the Cost of Workers’ Comp Insurance for Self Employed

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance per $100 in wages ranges from $.75 in Texas to $2.74 in Alaska. Workman’s comp insurance premiums are calculated based on the gross annual payroll you pay to employees. The more payroll expenses you have, the higher your workers’ comp insurance premiums. Workers’ comp insurance premiums are also influenced by: claims history, the requirements of your employees’ roles, the type of business you’re in, and state laws.

Workers’ Comp Coverage for Independent Contractors and Subcontractors

Most states require businesses to provide workers’ comp insurance coverage for independent contractors and subcontractors who don’t have their own coverage. Avoid covering contractors by collecting their Certificate of Insurance before doing business with them. If they don’t have workers’ comp insurance, you’ll be charged for their coverage at a similar rate of their total pay based on the type of work they do.

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How to Save on Workers’ Comp Insurance for Self-Employed

Our direct-to-you model allows us to provide insurance for up to 20% less than other companies.

Understand Who Needs to be Covered

Many states require coverage for employees, but not for business owners or officers.

Review Your Coverage Annually

Periodically ensure your coverage is up-to-date with your business. For example, if you have expanded to a new state, prices and policy requirements may be different there.

Manage Your Risks

Create a safe working environment and also facilitate safety and employee training. Your claims history can affect pricing, so a safe business means paying less money over time. Check out biBerk.com/Loss-Control to learn more.

Add a Small Deductible

You will be billed for the deductible amount for each claim and non-payment will cancel the policy. Only available in some states.

Get a Quote for Workers’ Comp Insurance for Self-Employed People

Trust biBerk to provide the right workers’ compensation insurance for self-employed professionals.